Chapter 4
The house felt too quiet without her. But it was a peaceful quiet. Not heavy or tense.
I called the doctor first thing that morning.
Lila was nervous to go. She kept saying she was fine, that I shouldn’t waste money.
“Your health matters. Our baby matters,” I told her as I helped her into the car.
The doctor checked her carefully. He confirmed bruising from blunt force, but said the baby seemed strong and healthy.
“Rest is the most important thing now,” he said. “And keep her away from whatever caused this.”
I nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
On the way home, Lila held my hand tight.
“Are we really going to be okay?” she asked.
“We are,” I said. “But we can’t stay here. Not after everything.”
We started looking for a small apartment that afternoon. Somewhere bright. Somewhere safe.
My phone buzzed constantly. Texts from Mom. Calls from aunts and uncles asking why I’d “kicked her out.”
I ignored them all. I knew the truth now. Nothing else mattered.
That night, Lila and I sat on the floor of our empty bedroom, looking at baby names.
For the first time in months, she laughed. A real, bright laugh.
I kissed her forehead. “I love you more than anything. Both of you.”
May you like
She leaned her head on my shoulder. “I love you too. Thank you for believing me.”
“I’ll always believe you from now on,” I promised.
